This drug may stop your bone marrow from making some of the cells that your body needs. You will be closely watched by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away about any fever, sore throat, signs of infection, bleeding, shortness of breath, or feeling tired.

Avoid

If you have an allergy to penicillamine or any other part of this drug.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

If you have had low blood cell counts while taking this drug in the past.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

If you are breast-feeding.

Precautions

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

If you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor.

If you have liver disease, talk with your doctor.

If you have myasthenia gravis, talk with your doctor.

Have your blood work checked often. Talk with your doctor.

Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

Talk with your doctor before using products that have aspirin, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ibuprofen or like products, pain drugs, or vitamin E.

Do not take dairy products, bismuth (Pepto-Bismol®), calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, multivitamins with minerals, colestipol, cholestyramine, didanosine, or antacids within 2 hours of this drug.

Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that you use this drug.

Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often.

Use birth control that you can trust to stop pregnancy while taking this drug.

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.

Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

Trouble breathing.

Very upset stomach or throwing up.

Very bad muscle pain or weakness.

Any bruising or bleeding.

Any rash.

Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.

Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.

Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.